Marlys Carlson

Marlys Carlson, 60, of Stratford, Iowa passed away surrounded by her family on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at Mary Greeley Medical Center. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, August 3, 2025 at South Marion United Methodist Church, south of Stratford. Visitation will be Saturday August 2nd, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Calvary United Methodist Church in Stratford. (www.fosterfuneralandcremation.com)

Marlys Marie Anderson was the fourth born child, only daughter, and twinkle in the eye of Marlyn and Dorothy Anderson. She was born on October 14, 1964 in Boone, Iowa. She graduated from Stratford High School in 1983 and continued her education at DMACC in Boone. On June 21, 1986, Marlys was united in marriage to the love of her life, Greg Lee Carlson, at the South Marion United Methodist Church. She was a dedicated and proud employee of Iowa State University where she served as a Secretary Extraordinaire for 38 years, most recently with the Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching.

She is survived by her husband of 39 years, Greg Carlson; daughter and son-in-law, Stephanie and Tim Couser of Nevada; son, Brandon Carlson of Waialua, Hawaii; her 4-legged friend, Lilibet Grace; mother-in-law, Donna Carlson of Stratford; and many extended family members. Marlys was preceded in death by her parents and father-in-law, Arnie Carlson.

She was a third-generation, lifelong member, and servant of the South Marion United Methodist Church. Her greatest joy was her children and family. Marlys was the biggest cheerleader for Stephanie and Brandon throughout all their activities and adventures. Marlys enjoyed annual family trips to Leech Lake Minnesota, baking all the yummy treats, finding the best bargain, caring for her flowers, and serving and supporting many people. She was an avid Cyclone fan and the Captain of Team Mini Mighty Marvelous Marlys.

Marlys was diagnosed on March 7, 2023, at the age of 58, with stage 4 non-small cell lung cancer. As a healthy, never-smoker, the news was a total shock. While each day provided its challenges, she was a true fighter with her mantra being, "In It to Win It!". As the Captain of Team Mini Mighty Marvelous Marlys, she showed us what true strength and grace look like. She inspires us all to live each day fully and to meet hardships with unwavering positivity, steadfast faith, and endless love. She certainly did not deserve this, but we take comfort in knowing on July 29, 2025, she truly won and doesn't have to fight anymore!

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." - 2 Timothy 4:7

Family requests memorials in honor of Marlys to the South Marion United Methodist Church, LUNGevity Foundation, and Bliss Cancer Center.

https://fundraise.lungevity.org/campaigns/Team-Mini-Mighty-Marvelous-Marlys

https://www.mgmc.org/foundation/donate/make-a-gift/